Job Interview Success Strategies: 3 Proven Ways to Take Control of Your Interview
Imagine walking into an interview room, confident and ready to make a great impression. You shake hands with the hiring manager, sit down, and suddenly, you feel the balance of the conversation shifting away from you. The interviewer asks a series of rapid-fire questions, and you find yourself simply reacting, not leading the dialogue. By the end, you leave feeling like you missed an opportunity to truly showcase your strengths and potential. This scenario is all too common, but it doesn’t have to be your experience.
Taking control of your interview means guiding the conversation, showcasing your strengths, and ensuring the interviewer sees you as a valuable asset to their team. Let’s explore how you can achieve this.
Guiding the Conversation
To take control of your interview, you need to steer the conversation without overshadowing the interviewer. Instead of merely answering questions, engage in a dialogue that highlights your strengths and aligns them with the company’s needs. Think of the interview as a two-way street where both you and the employer exchange valuable information.
For instance, if asked about your previous job experience, don’t just list your duties. Share a story about a specific project where you identified a problem, developed a solution, and achieved a successful outcome. This not only answers the question but also demonstrates your problem-solving skills and initiative.
Preparation is Key
Consider the following scenario: a candidate walks into an interview without having researched the company. The hiring manager asks, “What do you know about our latest product launch?” The candidate stumbles through a vague answer, clearly unprepared. This lack of preparation can be detrimental.
Unfortunately, many job seekers fall into this trap. Failing to practice before your interviewing can lead to missed opportunities. Meanwhile, the hiring manager may not have formal interview training, leading to a lack of structure. The combination can quickly become a trainwreck for both sides.
To prevent this and take control of your job interview, thoroughly research the company, the industry, and the individuals you will be meeting. Understand their goals, challenges, and culture. Prepare like a consultant by thinking about the problems you can solve for the employer and how you can help them achieve their objectives.
Ask yourself:
- How does my experience resonate with what the team does regularly?
- What essential skills would I need if I were the hiring manager?
- How can I show my value as an asset to this team?
Pro tip: Lensa’s Interview Simulator lets you practice interviewing with tailored questions and real-world scenarios. To use it, sign up (or sign into your existing account), upload your resume, and get started.
Demonstrating Your Preparedness
Show your commitment to the team and company by being well-prepared. While many candidates practice common interview questions, go a step further. Tailor your answers to the specific role and team.
For example, if interviewing for a marketing position, understand the company’s recent campaigns and be ready to discuss how you could enhance their marketing strategy. Also be ready to offer solutions to the challenges they are facing.
Recognizing When You Lose Control of Your Interview
Losing control of your interview can happen subtly. Here are signs to watch for and how to manage them:
- The interview feels like an interrogation: If you feel bombarded by questions, take a moment to steer the conversation. For example, after answering a question, you might add, “This experience taught me a lot about teamwork. Can you tell me more about how your team collaborates on projects?”
- One party dominates the conversation: Interviews should be a value exchange. If the interviewer is too quiet, ask engaging questions like, “What does success look like for your team?” or “What are the current challenges you’re facing?”
- Inappropriate or illegal questions: Be prepared to handle these tactfully. Redirect the conversation back to your skills and experiences relevant to the job.
Listening is as Important as Talking
Listening actively is crucial. It gives you the input and processing time you need to respond thoughtfully and engage in a meaningful dialogue. If an interviewer shares details about a project, use that information to highlight your relevant experiences and skills.
For example, if the interviewer mentions a recent shift to remote work, you could respond with, “I managed a remote team in my previous role, where we successfully increased productivity by 20%. How has your team adapted to remote work?”
Strategies to Take Control of Your Interview
If you lose control of the interview, use these three proven strategies to regain it:
- Use storytelling. Great storytelling is a superpower for connecting with your interviewer. Share specific examples that demonstrate your competencies and make you relatable. For instance, instead of saying you have leadership skills, describe a time when you led a project that significantly improved team performance.
- Focus on solutions. Back your confidence with specific solutions. Treat the interview as a stage to showcase your problem-solving abilities. Present specific solutions to potential challenges the company might face. This demonstrates your proactive approach and deep understanding of the company’s needs.
Ask insightful questions such as:
- “What are the challenges you faced in transitioning to a hybrid workplace?”
- “How do you recognize outstanding performance?”
- “What strategies make your in-office days productive?”
- “How do you measure team and individual success?”
- Let your preparation shine. Show how your skills and knowledge are relevant to the company. Engage in a thoughtful exchange of ideas and experiences, illustrating how you can add value to the team. For example, if you know the company values innovation, discuss a time when you introduced a successful new process or idea.
Wrapping Up: Seize the Opportunity
Taking control of your interview involves preparation, strategic storytelling, and active engagement. By guiding the conversation, demonstrating your strengths, and showing genuine interest in the company’s needs, you can leave a lasting impression that sets you apart from other candidates. Use your interview to vividly illustrate why you’re not just qualified, but the perfect fit for the role. This is your moment to shine.
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